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Following yesterday’s big reveal – and Wednesday’s slow reveal – we roundup everything there is to know about Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

Ubisoft has announced Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as the latest game in the long-running open-world action franchise. Here’s what we know about the game so far.

Who’s making it?

As with most Ubisoft games, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is being developed by a range of studios around the world. Ubisoft Montreal – the team behind Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Origins – is at the helm, with support from studios in Sofia, Singapore, Montpellier, Barcelona, Kyiv, Bordeaux, Shanghai, Chengdu, Philippines, Quebec, Bucharest, and Pune. Phew.

Where and when is it set?

Confirming long-standing rumours, the game takes place in the Dark Ages. It follows a clan of Viking Norsemen who travel across the North Sea to England. The press blurb promises “a dynamic and beautiful open world.” We say, expect some rain.

Who’s the protagonist?

Players assume the role of Eivor, a Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Eivor is playable as male or female and is customisable with tattoos, war paint, and various hairstyles. Here’s a look at the male version. We detect shades of Charlie Hunnam in this hunk of Norse attitude.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Eivor

Gameplay

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla continues the franchise’s move into the role-playing genre. Political alliances, combat decisions, and dialogue choices all affect the world, and players will have to build a settlement to expand their influence across Dark Ages England. It’s the first title in the series to include raids, which are used to earn resources and upgrades. Players can also create a mercenary Viking to share online with their friends.

Ubisoft says the game’s combat has been designed to fit the fighting style of Viking warriors. Eivor will be able to dual-wield weapons, useful no doubt when taking on those Saxon hoards. Side pursuits include hunting, fishing, and drinking games.

The first gameplay footage will be shown as part of Microsoft’s Inside Xbox live-stream on May 7 at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Screenshots

Ubisoft hasn’t released any screenshots that show the game in full flow, but what we do have sure looks beautiful. Mostly.

Watch the reveal trailer

And if you have a spare eight hours, why not rewatch the game’s official tease featuring artist, BossLogic.

What platform is the game coming to?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is coming to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. The PC version will only be available on the Epic Games Store and the Ubisoft Store. It will also be included in Ubisoft’s game subscription service, UPLAY+.

Are there any special editions?

Got money to burn? You’re in luck. In addition to the standard retail and digital release, the game is also getting three special editions.

The Gold Edition comes with the base game and a season pass. The Ultimate Edition includes the game, season pass, and various customisation items. The Collector’s Edition – which is only available from the Ubisoft Store – features a generous haul of extras and collectables.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Ultimate Edition

  • Game and season pass
  • Berserker Gear Pack
  • Berserker Settlement Pack
  • Berserker Longship Pack
  • Set of Runes to improve weapons or gears

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Collector’s Edition

  • Game and season pass
  • Ultimate Pack (Including items from the Ultimate Edtion)
  • Ubicollectibles replica of Eivor and her Drakkar
  • Collector’s Case
  • Steelbook with a unique artwork
  • Numbered certificate of authenticity
  • Viking Statuette of Eivor with his raven and Dane axe
  • Exclusive set of lithographs

Pre-order content

Eager beavers who pre-order the game will receive an additional mission at launch called The Way of the Berserker.

Games suck, give me the book and some toys

Two standalone Ubicollectibles products are also on the way: The Eivor Wolf-Kissed Figurine and a replica of Eivor’s Hidden Blade. A novelisation of the game by Matthew J. Kirby will be published by Penguin Random House.

When is the game coming out?

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has a confirmed a worldwide release window of Holiday 2020.


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